CHALLENGING MY UNHELPFUL IDEA


What idea have I strongly and persistently held that I now realize to be the cause of many problems — emotional or otherwise — in my life?
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What’s wrong with this idea? What makes it unrealistic, extreme, illogical and/or unreasonable?

How does this idea push me and others around? What are the consequences of doggedly holding on to this idea?

Is it helping me get what I want or hurting me?

Is there any proof to support this irrational and/or unhelpful idea?

Imagine that I’m trying to convince another person why it doesn’t make sense to think that way; what persuasive counterarguments would convince him or her?
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Note to myself I will try to notice when this old unhelpful idea seems to be at the root of some new distress. I will regularly read what I’ve written on this sheet to help myself think more clearly, feel better, and act more wisely.